Thrift Share Monday: The Ring's The Thing

While not a thrift store, I have found some exceptional values and unique things at consignment shops. On his way home from work a few months ago, my boyfriend saw a sign for a new shop of this type, with a rather amusing name - The Mad Closet. Located in Cambridge, MA (on the Cambridge/Belmont border), it is a small space packed with wonder.

Taking advantage of a recent Buy With Me group deal, I purchased a $50 merchandise certificate and resolved to make a visit. I had nothing particular in mind, but knew that as soon as I spied this on the front counter that it would be mine:

Firey opals set in copper, their flame spoke to me, even though I am not typically a ring person.  Amazingly, it fit my ring fingers, both right and left, perfectly - as if it were made for me. The most amazing part of all of this was the name of the creator - Chas Howe. My surname, though I'm pretty sure he's no relation to me.

Notice the twin titles of both jeweler and optometrist? I love the mix of creativity and practicality. A quick Google session led me to discover that he was a practicing Optometrist in Northern VT in the early part of the 20th Century. Can anyone with an Ancestry.com subscription send me anymore information on him? Please? I'll be eternally grateful and feature you on my blog! Of course, if anyone has any more jewelry from Charles Howe I'd love to see a picture of your wares!

Here's another look at both ring and box:

Don't you just love it when you are drawn to things? Have any stories of just being attracted to something, especially if you found that you or your family or friends had some connection to it? Do tell in the comments below!

 

Thrift Share Monday: Delman Shoes and Kitchen Kitsch

Yes, it's practically Wednesday, but I have to share the loveliness I found recently! That, and I need to come back from my accidental posting hiatus..

You know those incredible old church thrift shops, run by lovely older women who are the real gems of the store? Well, even their brilliance was eclipsed by this find:

Two pairs of vintage Delman shoes, I believe from the late 60s to early 70s. In a size 8AA narrow width, they were most certainly worn by a lady who lunched. They are co-branded with the Charles Sumner mark, an exclusive women's clothing store that was on Newbury St in Boston until the mid-90s. How much for these beauties? $4 apiece!

I also found this Mid-Century (late 50s - early 60s) Kitchen Paper, Tin Foil, and Wazed-Paper Dispenser at the Cambridge Goodwill:

 A little bit of retro for only $3.99!

Happy Thrifting!

A Spot of Tea, ca 1941

Need some guidance on making the perfect cuppa, under all sorts of conditions? Look no further:

 

Love the scientific approach - tea in a giant test tube!